Ministry of Justice Justifies a Judge’s Handshake with a Former Regime Terror Court Official in Damascus
The Ministry of Justice's justification for the handshake with a former Terror Court judge reveals the challenge of balancing official protocols with public sensitivities regarding figures and institu
April 11, 2025, 7:45 pm

Ministry of Justice Justifies a Judge’s Handshake with a Former Regime Terror Court Official in Damascus

مظهر الويس \ متداولة

The Ministry of Justice issued a clarifying statement today regarding the controversy surrounding Minister Dr. Mazhar Al-Wais shaking hands with the former chief prosecutor of the Terror Court under the previous regime. Many viewed this gesture as a sign of leniency toward figures linked to violations of justice and human dignity.

This incident highlights the sensitivity of dealing with former judicial officials and places the ministry under pressure to clarify its stance on accountability.

In its statement, obtained by the SANA news agency, the ministry explained that the controversial handshake occurred during a general Eid al-Fitr greeting extended by the minister to a group of judges, in line with official government protocols. The ministry denied any prior knowledge of the judge’s identity or background and refuted any suggestion that the handshake implied tolerance for those who violated the Syrian people’s rights.

This justification raises questions about the effectiveness of vetting mechanisms for judges who remain in their positions despite ties to institutions accused of abuses.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to holding accountable those involved in judicial transgressions, announcing that all judges who previously held positions in the Terror Court had been referred to the Judicial Inspection Directorate for investigation, following legal procedures. However, they will continue to perform their duties temporarily until the investigations are completed and the facts are revealed.

The continued presence of these judges in office despite ongoing investigations raises concerns about balancing the presumption of innocence with the need to purge the judiciary of questionable figures.

The ministry claimed a pivotal role in upholding the rule of law and reiterated its commitment to prosecuting all those involved in bloodshed or violations of freedoms and rights. It framed this as a tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs, a safeguard for detainees' freedoms, a reinforcement of justice, and a guarantee for protecting individual rights and liberties within a comprehensive legal framework.

These statements appear to be an attempt to reassure public opinion, yet they lack clear practical measures to translate these commitments into concrete actions. The ministry concluded its statement by asserting that justice remains its guiding principle, regardless of attempts to obscure facts or sow doubt.

However, the true test of these promises lies in the outcomes of the investigations and the ministry’s willingness to take decisive action against judges implicated in past violations.

Al-Atarib: Academic Identity Fraud Sparks Crisis in Aleppo Governorate Appointments Signs of Conflict and Escalating Tensions Between Public Security and the Fifth Corps in Daraa

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.